Korean American Special Education Center

History of KASEC

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The Korean American Special Education Center (KASEC), founded in 2000, supports Korean American families with children with disabilities by addressing language and cultural barriers to special education and social services.

2025

2025 Recap

  • Received the “Community Partner Award” at the Regional Center of Orange County Spotlight Awards
  • Hosted the 6th KASEC Dream Art Contest and Exhibition for individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Hosted the 8th KASEC Charity Golf Tournament
  • Organized Family Fun Day with support from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
  • Hosted a Developmental Disabilities Conference featuring invited speakers Dr. Keun-Ah Cheon and Dr. Richard Rosenberg
  • Hosted the 25th Anniversary Gala
  • Held an invited exhibition with the Los Angeles City Department on Disability at the LA City Hall

2024

2024 Recap

  • Buena Park City Hall Exhibition – Dream Art Contest Group Show
  • Hosted the 5th KASEC Dream Art Contest (Art Competition for Artists with Developmental Disabilities)
  • Hosted the 7th Annual KASEC Charity Golf Tournament
  • Conducted a healing workshop for families of individuals with developmental disabilities with support from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
  • Participated in Buena Park City Autism Acceptance Proclamation

2023

2023 Recap

  • LA Councilmember John Lee officially proclaimed “Autism Acceptance Month” in partnership with KASEC.
  • Hosted the Korea–U.S. Disability Artists Exchange Exhibition, “Shining and Beautiful,” at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Seoul
  • Rosa Chang received the “Women of Distinction Award"
  • Conducted a healing workshop for families of individuals with developmental disabilities with support from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
  • Hosted the 4th KASEC Dream Art Contest, an art competition for individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Hosted the 6th KASEC Charity Golf Tournament

2022

2022 Recap

  • Opened the KDDC Center Clinic for developmental disability evaluations and assessments
  • Launched the mental health webinar series “The Stress of Parenting a Child with Developmental Disabilities: Let It Go!” for parents and caregivers

  • Established an MOU with L.A. Care Health Plan and reopened the Los Angeles regional office

2021

2021 Recap

  • Launched the “Birdie Buddies Golf Program” as an official ongoing program
  • Hosted the 2nd Annual KASEC Dream Art Contest, an art competition for individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Harmonia Ensemble was invited by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles to perform at the National Foundation Day celebration.
  • Hosted the 1st Harmonia Ensemble Concert

2020

2020 Recap

  • SungHeon Kang was inaugurated as the 4th Board Chairperson
  • Rosa Chang received the Presidential Commendation from the President of South Korea
  • Launched online educational programs through YouTube, producing educational and informational content for families and the community
  • Organized a COVID-19 relief initiative to support families of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing groceries, masks, and daily necessities to a total of 800 families

2019

2019 Recap

  • Founded the KASEC Knights basketball team and hosted the first inclusive basketball tournament in the Korean American community

2018

2018 Recap

  • Conducted free developmental screenings and the “ABCs of Developmental Disabilities Seminar” for the Korean American community in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, screening a total of 400 individuals, with support from the California Department of Developmental Services
  • Orange County officially proclaimed April 2 as “Autism Awareness Day" at KASEC's request
  • Hosted the KASEC Dream Art Contest, an art competition for individuals with developmental disabilities

2017

2017 Recap

  • Hosted the 1st KASEC Charity Golf Tournament in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day
  • Launched the 1st “I’m Here Project,” a family trip for families of individuals with developmental disabilities (2 days and 1 night in San Diego)

2016

2016 Recap

  • Launched the first inclusive sports program in the Korean American community where individuals with and without disabilities participated together. Following this program, inclusive music and dance classes were also introduced.
  • Hosted the 3rd Open Concert, “Harmony of Love Music Festival.”

2015

2015 Recap

  • Rosa Chang was appointed as Executive Director
  • Hannah Yang was inaugurated as the 3rd Board Chairperson
  • Hosted the first free developmental screening and Health Fair for Korean American children in Los Angeles

2014

2014 Recap

  • Launched Counseling Services and the Parenting Seminar Series

2013

2013 Recap

  • John Kim was inaugurated as the 2nd Board Chairperson

2012

2012 Recap

  • Hosted the first free developmental screening for the Korean American community in Orange County
  • Received the “Community Impact Award” from OCAPICA and Senator Lou Correa
  • Hosted the Children and Youth Disability Conference

2011

2011 Recap

  • Hannah Yang received the Presidential Commendation for Overseas Koreans
  • Hosted the 2nd Open Concert

2010

2010 Recap

  • Co-hosted a seminar with the CSUF Department of Human Communication Studies
  • Launched a Special Music Program

2009

2009 Recap

  • Co-hosted the “Autism Symposium” with the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment

2008

2008 Recap

  • Co-hosted the “ADHD Symposium” with UCLA

2007

2007 Recap

  • Hosted the 1st Open Concert for families of individuals with disabilities
  • Bella Shim was inaugurated as the first Board Chairperson

2006

2006 Recap

  • Selected by Wells Fargo Bank as an “Outstanding Service of Our Community” organization

2005

2005 Recap

  • Launched 1:1 educational support services for children with disabilities
  • Started the Individualized Intensive 1:1 Program

2004

2004 Recap

  • Changed its name to the “Korean American Special Education Center (KASEC)"

2003

2003 Recap

  • Hosted a symposium for Korean American professionals from government agencies related to disabilities

2002

2002 Recap

  • Student Samulnori team gave a special guest performance at the Stanton Civic Center

2001

2001 Recap

  • Changed its name to the “Korean American Center for Disability Education"
  • Hosted 1st Volunteer Training Seminar
  • Hannah Yang received "International Lions Club Award"

2000

2000 Recap

  • Established under the name “Korean American Institute for Disabilities and Senior Welfare” by founder Hannah Yang. The founding members included Kyusam Han, Bella Shim, and Chulseung Yang, along with professionals Rosa Chang, Yoonjung Oh, Miae Jeon, and Eunyoung Na.
  • Launched an “After-School Program” for children with disabilities

  • Published the first issue of Morning Sunshine, an informational magazine focused on disability-related resources and support